At Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Lee’s Summit, every scoop tells a big story. Howdy Homemade is an ice cream shop with a mission: to create equitable, meaningful jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Team members—known as Heroes—are the heart of the ice cream shop, bringing joy, connection, and amazing ice cream to the community every single day.
Howdy Homemade exists to reshape how society views individuals with unique abilities, by focusing on building confidence, independence, and opportunity, one shift at a time.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, Lee’s Summit will celebrate its first birthday, and the entire community is invited to an all-day celebration honoring one incredible year of purpose, inclusion, and joy.
A Mission Rooted in Inclusion and Belonging
As an organization on a relentless pursuit to create equitable, meaningful jobs for individuals with IDD, Howdy Homemade proudly employs Heroes—remarkable team members whose talents, personalities, and dedication shine every single day.
This past year, Howdy Homemade in Lee’s Summit has become a place where confidence grows, voices are strengthened, and abilities are celebrated.
One mom shared about her son, Tommy:
“A vote of confidence in him has led to an outpouring of confidence in himself.”
Eric, another Hero, puts it beautifully:
“It’s a chance for people to learn more about people with disabilities. I wish people knew that we have abilities and goals, too.”
From learning to work the cash register, to opening and closing the store, to building friendships with coworkers and customers, the role of a Howdy Homemade Hero does far more than provide a paycheck, it inspires purpose, independence, and pride.
Julius’ parents shared:
“This job has provided so much more than a paycheck. It has given him his voice.”
You’re Invited! Howdy Homemade’s First Birthday Celebration
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream has become a place where Heroes are known by name and welcomed with enthusiasm. The shop held its grand opening on May 16, 2025, in partnership with local nonprofit TNC Community, a premier service provider for individuals with IDD. This first birthday celebration is designed to be fun, family-friendly, and full of community spirit.
Here’s what you can expect:
⭐ A Free Scoop for the first 50 guests
🎨 Face Painting
🎈 Balloon Art
🥁 Live music
🍦 Amazing ice cream, served by amazing people
Families are invited to stop by from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to celebrate with us!
And because Kansas City is welcoming the world in June and July, the shop will be transformed into a special edition Soccer Pop-up Experience with international décor, starting Memorial weekend through the conclusion of the matches. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a cone and kick off the global celebration in Lee’s Summit.
On the day of the Birthday Celebration, June 6, four new internationally inspired ice cream flavors will be added to the Howdy Homemade menu:
- Cinnamon Stroop Waffle, inspired by the Netherlands
- Blackberry Honey Coconut Sorbae, inspired by Ecuador
- Dulce de Leche, inspired by Argentina
- Apple Strudel, inspired by Austria
New Daily Specials
The week leading up to the celebration, Howdy Homemade is rolling out brand-new daily specials, which will become part of the summer menu.
• Milkshake Monday – Milkshakes available for $6.49
• Taco Tuesday – Grab-and-go waffle cone tacos with vanilla ice cream and a chocolate-dipped shell topped with sprinkles or peanuts for $7.49
• Waffle Wednesday – Waffle cones & bowls are specially priced at just 75¢
• Free Topping Thursday – One free topping per person
Why It Matters, Especially for Our Kids
For families in Kansas City, Howdy Homemade isn’t just a place to grab dessert. It’s a living example of what inclusion looks like in action.
Lilly, one of the Heroes, shared:
“I don’t have to pretend to be somebody that I’m not. Working at Howdy Homemade means I get to be part of a mission I believe in.”
Parents often say they see their kids stand taller, speak more confidently, and dream bigger because someone finally said yes to them.
“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you’re lacking in skills, dreams, or goals.”
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, Howdy Homemade’s first birthday is the perfect moment to celebrate what’s possible when a community chooses inclusion.
Come for the ice cream.
Stay for the joy.
Leave inspired.
💙🍦
921 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO
Saturday, June 6, 2026
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
